The Problem
Though oceans provide essential ecosystem services, the general public remains largely unaware of the threats they face and the actions they can take to help. A 2018 study, "Development of the International Ocean Literacy Survey", found that Americans are more literate about video games and gambling than the world’s oceans—underscoring the need for more accessible marine education. Locally, Florida high schools can offer up to five marine science courses, yet no public school currently offers any more than two. Outside of public education, access to free marine conservation resources is even more limited.
Our Plan
Ocean Class is an open-access educational webinar series created entirely by Tampa Bay youth for our local community. Designed with accessibility in mind, Ocean Class is free to the public and curated to support individuals with reading, learning, and physical impairments. Though oceans provide essential ecosystem services, the general public remains largely unaware of the threats they face and the actions they can take to help. A 2018 study, "Development of the International Ocean Literacy Survey", found that Americans are more literate about video games and gambling than the world’s oceans—underscoring the need for more accessible marine education. Locally, Florida high schools can offer up to five marine science courses, yet no public school currently offers any more than two. Outside of public education, access to free marine conservation resources is even more limited. Our project will produce eight webinars on the following topics: kelp forests, deep sea life, coral reefs, estuaries, invertebrates, vertebrates, physical oceanography, and natural selection. The production process includes preparing guest speakers, coordinating ASL interpreters, editing in Adobe Premiere, designing accessible resources, and publishing the final webinar. Ocean Class will be shared widely with parents, educators, students, summer camps, and local organizations—communities that will also be invited to offer feedback to help shape future content. As a digital resource, Ocean Class harnesses online platforms to spark curiosity about the world beyond our screens. By meeting people where they are, it captures attention and drives engagement with the urgent issues facing our oceans.
